During a discussion on BT Sport’s Champions League coverage last night, ex-Leicester striker Lineker quizzed Ferdinand and fellow guest Martin O’Neill on some European footballing history – drawing a sarcastic response from Rio along the way.

“It’s often said no team has ever defended the Champions League – obviously the European Cup is different,” he explained.

“But the Champions League, you came very close, winning in 2008 and then in 2009 got to the final – can Real Madrid be the first?”

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Rio Ferdinand was forced to relive the pain of Champions League defeat

“Yeah we got brushed aside twice, thanks for bringing that up,” Rio replied flatly, as Lineker giggled in the background.

Having overcome Chelsea on penalties in a memorable 2008 Champions League final, Sir Alex Ferguson guided the Red Devils to the brink of European glory once again 12 months later, bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back titles in Europe’s premier competition.

But in 2009 at the Stadico Olimpico in Rome, they met a Barcelona team firing on all cylinders.

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The United skipper won in 2008 but tasted defeat the following year to Barcelona

The football legends with the most goals in UEFA club competitions

CRISTIANO RONALDO made history against Bayern Munich as he scored his 100th European goal.

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The football stars and legends with the most goals in UEFA club competitions

Goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi helped the Catalan club become the first Spanish side to win La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League in the same season.